Don’t Be A Statistic -- National Fall Prevention Awareness Week

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits for older adults. September 23, 2019, begins National Fall Prevention Awareness Week. At the heart of this initiative is the message that falls are preventable. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35 to 40 percent of seniors fall at least once a year. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is hospitalized for a fall and every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall. However, falling does not have to be an inevitable part of your later years. Steps can be taken to prevent falling and the potentially negative consequences caused.

Many studies have been conducted as to why older adults are more likely to fall then younger individuals. Older adults also have a much higher risk of more severe injuries if they suffer a fall. Studies show that possible risk factors include: physical condition, chronic health conditions, medical treatments, prescription medications and surroundings.

But there is good news! With very little effort, many things can be done to help prevent falls from happening.

• Exercise – This is hands down the best thing you can do reduce your risk of falling. Regular physical activity maintains muscle strength, flexibility and balance, which makes it easier to avoid falling.
• Get your vision tested – It has long been proven that uncorrected vision problems add to the danger of falling. Get a yearly eye exam to ensure that you are wearing the proper corrective lenses. Being able to see where you are going can eliminate many falls.
• Fallproof your environment – Declutter your house to be sure there are no obstacles in your way. Remove loose rugs and cords. Wear sensible shoes or slippers with nonslip soles. Place night lights in dark areas. All of these hazards in the home are the cause of many falls and can easily be prevented.
• Get regular health checkups – Health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes add to the risk of falling. In addition to health checkups, multiple studies have shown that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements reduce the risk of falls and fall-related fractures in people at risk for osteoporosis.

At Hupy and Abraham S.C., we hope that you follow these safety tips and avoid becoming a statistic. But if an accident occurs, contact the slip and fall lawyers of Hupy and Abraham, S.C. We will fight to obtain compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and property damage.